Materials Science and Engineering

Overview

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) administers undergraduate and graduate programs in materials science and engineering. In addition, undergraduate students may elect to apply for one of five joint major programs.

Materials Science and Engineering encompasses natural and human-made materials — their extraction, synthesis, processing, properties, characterization, and development for technological applications. Advanced engineering activities that depend upon optimized materials include the energy technologies, including photovoltaics, batteries, and fuel cells; new medical devices and the healthcare industries; electronics and photonics; and transportation, communication, and nanotechnology.

Students in materials science and engineering apply a basic foundation of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering to fields of specialization that include biomaterials; electronic, magnetic, and optical materials; materials for energy technologies; structural materials; chemical and electrochemical materials science and engineering; and computational materials science and engineering. Nanoscale science and engineering play an important role in all of these specializations.

Graduate Programs

Courses

Materials Science and Engineering

MAT SCI 24Freshman Seminar1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
The Freshman Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 20 freshmen.Freshman Seminar: Read More [+]

MAT SCI 45Properties of Materials3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017
Application of basic principles of physics and chemistry to the engineering properties of materials. Special emphasis devoted to relation between microstructure and the mechanical properties of metals, concrete, polymers, and ceramics, and the electrical properties of semiconducting materials. Sponsoring Department: Materials Science and EngineeringProperties of Materials: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Physics 7A (may be taken concurrently)

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MSE 45 after taking E45

MAT SCI 103Phase Transformations and Kinetics3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
The nature, mechanisms, and kinetics of phase transformations and microstructural changes in the solid state. Atom diffusion in solids. Phase transformations through the nucleation and growth of new matrix or precipitate phases. Martensitic transformations, spinodal decomposition. The use of phase transformations to control microstructure.Phase Transformations and Kinetics: Read More [+]

MAT SCI 111Properties of Electronic Materials4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Introduction to the physical principles underlying the electric properties of modern solids with emphasis on semiconductors; control of defects and impurities through physical purification, bulk and thin film crystal growth and doping processes, materials basis of electronic and optoelectronic devices (diodes, transistors, semiconductor lasers) and optical fibers; properties of metal and oxide superconductors and their applications.Properties of Electronic Materials: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Physics 7A-7B-7C or Physics 7A-7B and consent of instructor

MAT SCI 117Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2011, Fall 2010
Introduction to the physical principles underlying the dielectric and magnetic properties of solids. Processing-microstructure-property relationships of dielectric materials, including piezoelectric, pryoelectric, and ferroelectric oxides, and of magnetic materials, including hard- and soft ferromagnets, ferrites and magneto-optic and -resistive materials. The course also covers the properties of grain boundary devices (including varistors) as well as ion-conducting and mixed conducting materials for applications in various devices such as sensors, fuel cells, and electric batteries.Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Physics 7A-7B-7C or Physics 7A-7B and consent of instructor; 111 is recommended

MAT SCI C118Biological Performance of Materials4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
This course is intended to give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of topics related to biomedical materials selection and design. Structure-property relationships of biomedical materials and their interaction with biological systems will be addressed. Applications of the concepts developed include blood-materials compatibility, biomimetic materials, hard and soft tissue-materials interactions, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biotechnology.Biological Performance of Materials: Read More [+]

Objectives Outcomes

Course Objectives: The course is separated into four parts spanning the principles of synthetic materials and surfaces, principles of biological materials, biological performance of materials and devices, and state-of-the-art materials design. Students are required to attend class and master the material therein. In addition, readings from the clinical, life and materials science literature are assigned. Students are encouraged to seek out additional reference material to complement the readings assigned. A mid-term examination is given on basic principles (parts 1 and 2 of the outline). A comprehensive final examination is given as well. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to problems associated with the selection and function of biomaterials. Through class lectures and readings in both the physical and life science literature, students will gain broad knowledge of the criteria used to select biomaterials, especially in devices where the material-tissue or material-solution interface dominates performance. Materials used in devices for medicine, dentistry, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and the biotechnology industry will be addressed.

This course also has a significant design component (~35%). Students will form small teams (five or less) and undertake a semester-long design project related to the subject matter of the course. The project includes the preparation of a paper and a 20 minute oral presentation critically analyzing a current material-tissue or material-solution problem. Students will be expected to design improvements to materials and devices to overcome the problems identified in class with existing materials.

• Design experiments and analyze data from the literature in the context of the class design project.
Apply core concepts in materials science to solve engineering problems related to the selection biomaterials, especially in devices where the material-tissue or material-solution interface dominates performance.
Develop an understanding of the social, safety and medical consequences of biomaterial use and regulatory issues associated with the selection of biomaterials in the context of the silicone breast implant controversy and subsequent biomaterials crisis.
Work independently and function on a team, and develop solid communication skills (oral, graphic & written) through the class design project.
• Understanding of the origin of surface forces and interfacial free energy, and how they contribute to the development of the biomaterial interface and ultimately biomaterial performance.

MAT SCI 123ELECTRONIC MATERIALS PROCESSING4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This 4-unit course starts with a brief review of the fundamentals of solid-state physics including bands and defects in semiconductors and oxides, and then moves to bulk semiconductor crystals growth and processing including doping, diffusion and implantation, and then to thin film deposition and processing methods, and finishes with a discussion of materials analysis and characterization. Recent advances in nanomaterials research will also be introduced.ELECTRONIC MATERIALS PROCESSING: Read More [+]

Objectives Outcomes

Course Objectives: To prepare students a) for work in semiconductor processing facilities and b) for graduate studies related to thin film processing and relevant materials science topics. To present the relevant materials science issues in semiconductor and oxide processing To provide an introduction into the principles of thin film processing and related technologies.

Student Learning Outcomes: Basic knowledge of gas kinetics and vacuum technology, including ideal gas, gas transport theory, definition, creation and measurement of vacuum.
Knowledge of electrical and optical properties of thin films.
Knowledge of the formation of p-n junction to explain the diode operation and its I-V characteristics. Understanding of the mechanisms of Hall Effect, transport, and C-V measurements, so that can calculate carrier concentration, mobility and conductivity given raw experimental data.
The ability to describe major growth techniques of bulk, thin film, and nanostructured semiconductors, with particular emphasis on thin film deposition technologies, including evaporation, sputtering, chemical vapor deposition and epitaxial growths.
To have basic knowledge of doping, purification, oxidation, gettering, diffusion, implantation, metallization, lithography and etching in semiconductor processing.
To have basic knowledge of electronic material characterization methods: x-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM, EDX, Auger, STM and AFM, Rutherford Back Scattering and SIMS, as well as optical methods including photoluminescence, absorption and Raman scattering.
To understand the concepts of bands, bandgap, to distinguish direct and indirect bandgap semiconductors. Understanding of free electron and hole doping of semiconductors to determine Fermi level position.
To understand the effect of defects in semiconductors, so that can describe their electronic and optical behaviors, and the methods to eliminate and control them in semiconductors.

MAT SCI 130Experimental Materials Science and Design3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This course provides a culminating experience for students approaching completion of the materials science and engineering curriculum. Laboratory experiments are undertaken in a variety of areas from the investigations on semiconductor materials to corrosion science and elucidate the relationships among structure, processing, properties, and performance. The principles of materials selection in engineering design are reviewed.Experimental Materials Science and Design: Read More [+]

MAT SCI 136Materials in Energy Technologies4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2011
In many, if not all, technologies, it is materials that play a crucial, enabling role. This course examines potentially sustainable technologies, and the materials properties that enable them. The science at the basis of selected energy technologies are examined and considered in case studies.Materials in Energy Technologies: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Junior or above standing in Materials Science and Engineering or related field

MAT SCI 140Nanomaterials for Scientists and Engineers3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2013, Spring 2012
This course introduces the fundamental principles needed to understand the behavior of materials at the nanometer length scale and the different classes of nanomaterials with applications ranging from information technology to biotechnology. Topics include introduction to different classes of nanomaterials, synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, and the electronic, magnetic, optical, and mechanical properties of nanomaterials.Nanomaterials for Scientists and Engineers: Read More [+]

MAT SCI 151Polymeric Materials3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
This course is designed for upper division undergraduate and graduate students to gain a fundamental understanding of the science of polymeric materials. Beginning with a treatment of ideal polymeric chain conformations, it develops the thermodynamics of polmyer blends and solutions, the modeling of polymer networks and gelations, the dynamics of polymer chains, and the morphologies of thin films and other dimensionally-restricted structures relevant to nanotechnology.Polymeric Materials: Read More [+]

MAT SCI H194Honors Undergraduate Research1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015
Students who have completed a satisfactory number of advanced courses with a grade-point average of 3.3 or higher may pursue original research under the direction of one of the members of the staff. A maximum of 3 units of H194 may be used to fulfill technical elective requirements in the Materials Science and Engineering program or double majors (unlike 198 or 199, which do not satisfy technical elective requirements). Final report required.Honors Undergraduate Research: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Upper division technical GPA of 3.3 or higher and consent of instructor and adviser

MAT SCI 195Special Topics for Advanced Undergraduates1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2012, Spring 2011, Spring 2010
Group study of special topics in materials science and engineering. Selection of topics for further study of underlying concepts and relevent literature, in consultion with appropriate faculty members.Special Topics for Advanced Undergraduates: Read More [+]

MAT SCI 200ASurvey of Materials Science4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
A survey of Materials Science at the beginning graduate level, intended for those who did not major in the field as undergraduates. Focus on the nature of microstructure and its manipulation and control to determine engineering properties. Reviews bonding, structure and microstructure, the chemical, electromagnetic and mechanical properties of materials, and introduces the student to microstructural engineering.Survey of Materials Science: Read More [+]

MAT SCI 205Defects in Solids3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2011
Many properties of solid state materials are determined by lattice defects. This course treats in detail the structure of crystal defects, defect formation and annihilation processes, and the influence of lattice defects on the physical and optical properties of crystalline materials.Defects in Solids: Read More [+]

MAT SCI C208Biological Performance of Materials4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015
This course is intended to give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of topics related to biomedical materials selection and design. Structure-property relationships of biomedical materials and their interaction with biological systems will be addressed. Applications of the concepts developed include blood-materials compatibility, biomimetic materials, hard and soft tissue-materials interactions, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biotechnology.Biological Performance of Materials: Read More [+]

Objectives Outcomes

Course Objectives: The course is separated into four parts spanning the principles of synthetic materials and surfaces, principles of biological materials, biological performance of materials and devices, and state-of-the-art materials design. Students are required to attend class and master the material therein. In addition, readings from the clinical, life and materials science literature are assigned. Students are encouraged to seek out additional reference material to complement the readings assigned. A mid-term examination is given on basic principles (parts 1 and 2 of the outline). A comprehensive final examination is given as well. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to problems associated with the selection and function of biomaterials. Through class lectures and readings in both the physical and life science literature, students will gain broad knowledge of the criteria used to select biomaterials, especially in devices where the material-tissue or material-solution interface dominates performance. Materials used in devices for medicine, dentistry, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and the biotechnology industry will be addressed.

This course also has a significant design component (~35%). Students will form small teams (five or less) and undertake a semester-long design project related to the subject matter of the course. The project includes the preparation of a paper and a 20 minute oral presentation critically analyzing a current material-tissue or material-solution problem. Students will be expected to design improvements to materials and devices to overcome the problems identified in class with existing materials.

Student Learning Outcomes: Work independently and function on a team, and develop solid communication skills (oral, graphic & written) through the class design project.
• Develop an understanding of the social, safety and medical consequences of biomaterial use and regulatory issues associated with the selection of biomaterials in the context of the silicone breast implant controversy and subsequent biomaterials crisis.
• Design experiments and analyze data from the literature in the context of the class design project.

• Understanding of the origin of surface forces and interfacial free energy, and how they contribute to the development of the biomaterial interface and ultimately biomaterial performance.
• Apply math, science & engineering principles to the understanding of soft materials, surface chemistry, DLVO theory, protein adsorption kinetics, viscoelasticity, mass diffusion, and molecular (i.e., drug) delivery kinetics.
• Apply core concepts in materials science to solve engineering problems related to the selection biomaterials, especially in devices where the material-tissue or material-solution interface dominates performance.

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Overview of the problems associated with the selection and function of polymers used in biotechnology and medicine. Principles of polymer science, polymer synthesis, and structure-property-performance relationships of polymers. Particular emphasis is placed on the performance of polymers in biological environments. Interactions between macromolecular and biological systems for therapy and diagnosis. Specific applications will include drug delivery, gene therapy, tissue engineering, and surface engineering.Macromolecular Science in Biotechnology and Medicine: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Bioengineering 115 or equivalent; open to seniors with consent of instructor

MAT SCI 217Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017
Introduction to the physical principles underlying the dielectric and magnetic properties of solids. Processing-microstructure-property relationships of dielectric materials, including piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric oxides, and of magnetic materials, including hard- and soft ferromagnets, ferrites and magneto-optic and -resistive materials. The course also covers the properties of grain boundary devices (including varistors) as well as ion-conducting and mixed conducting materials for applications in various devices such as sensors, fuel cells, and electric batteries.Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials: Read More [+]

MAT SCI 224Magnetism and Magnetic Materials3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
This course covers the fundamentals of magnetism and magnetic materials in the first two-thirds of the class. Topics include magnetic moments in classical versus quantum mechanical pictures, diamagnetism, paramagnetism, crystal field environments, dipolar and exchange interactions, ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, magnetic domains, magnetic anisotropy, and magnetostriction. Magnetic materials covered include transition metals, their alloys and oxides, rare earths and their oxides, organic and molecular magnets. Throughout the course, experimental techniques in magnetic characterization will be discussed. The second part of the course will focus on particular magnetic materials and devices that are of technological interest (e.g., magnetoresistive and magneto-optical materials and devices). Additional topics include biomagnetism and spin glasses.Magnetism and Magnetic Materials: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 111 or equivalent or consent of instructor; 117 recommended

MAT SCI C226Photovoltaic Materials; Modern Technologies in the Context of a Growing Renewable Energy Market3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Spring 2013, Spring 2011
This technical course focuses on the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy conversion with respect to the physical principals of operation and design of efficient semiconductor solar cell devices. This course aims to equip students with the concepts and analytical skills necessary to assess the utility and viability of various modern photovoltaic technologies in the context of a growing global renewable energy market.Photovoltaic Materials; Modern Technologies in the Context of a Growing Renewable Energy Market: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Material Science and Mineral Engineering 111 or 123 or equivalent. Should have a firm foundation in electronic and optical props of semiconductors and basic semiconductor device physics

MAT SCI C250Nanomaterials in Medicine3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
The course is designed for graduate students interested in the emerging field of nanomedicine. The course will involve lectures, literature reviews and proposal writing. Students will be required to formulate a nanomedicine research project and write an NIH-style proposal during the course. The culmination of this project will involve a mock review panel in which students will serve as peer reviewers to read and evaluate the proposals.Nanomaterials in Medicine: Read More [+]

Objectives Outcomes

Course Objectives: To review the current literature regarding the use of nanomaterials in medical applications; (2) To describe approaches to nanomaterial synthesis and surface modification; (3) To understand the interaction of nanomaterials with proteins, cells and biological systems; (4) To familiarize students with proposal writing and scientific peer review.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students should be able to (1) identify the important properties of metal, polymer and ceramic nanomaterials used in healthcare; (2) understand the role of size, shape and surface chemistry of nanomaterials in influencing biological fate and performance; (3) understand common methods employed for surface modification of nanomaterials; (4) comprehend the range of cell-nanomaterial interactions and methods for assaying these interactions; (5) read and critically review the scientific literature relating to nanomedicine; (6) formulate and design an experimental nanomedicine research project; (7) understand the principles of the peer review system.

MAT SCI 251Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
The course is designed for graduate students to gain a fundamental understanding of the surface and interfacial science of polymeric materials. Beginning with a brief introduction of the principles governing polymer phase behavior in bulk, it develops the thermodynamics of polymers in thin films and at interfaces, the characterization techniques to assess polymer behavior in thin films and at interfaces, and the morphologies of polymer thin films and other dimensionally-restricted structures relevant to nanotechnology and biotechnology. Field trips to national user facilities, laboratory demonstrations and hands-on experiments, and guest lectures will augment the courses lectures.Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces: Read More [+]

MAT SCI C261Introduction to Nano-Science and Engineering3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2013, Spring 2012
A three-module introduction to the fundamental topics of Nano-Science and Engineering (NSE) theory and research within chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. This course includes quantum and solid-state physics; chemical synthesis, growth fabrication, and characterization techniques; structures and properties of semiconductors, polymer, and biomedical materials on nanoscales; and devices based on nanostructures. Students must take this course to satisfy the NSE Designated Emphasis core requirement.Introduction to Nano-Science and Engineering: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Major in physical science such as chemistry, physics, etc., or engineering; consent of advisor or instructor

Terms offered: Spring 2012
The course is self-contained and is designed in an interdisciplinary manner for graduate students in engineering, materials science, physics, and applied mathematics who are interested in methods to accelerate the laboratory analysis and design of new materials. Examples draw primarily from various mechanical, thermal, diffusive, and electromagnetic applications.Computational Design of Multifunctional/Multiphysical Composite Materials: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: An undergraduate degree in the applied sciences or engineering

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This is the first semester of a two-course sequence for those majors in the five year BS/MS program. Students are expected to formulate, develop and initiate an independent research project under the supervision of a research advisor. This course will meet once at the beginning of the semester to outline the expectations of the course. Periodic meetings covering topics such as maintaining a lab notebook, effective oral communication, and writing a journal publication will be scheduled. Students will be expected to keep a laboratory notebook outlining their progress during the semester. A progress report will be due at the end of Materials Science and Engineering 296A. Students will also be expected to give an oral presentation, describing their research project and progress toward their goals in front of their peers at the end of the semester.Independent Research for Five-Year BS/MS Program: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
This is the second semester of a two-course sequence for those majors in the five year BS/MS program. Students are expected to complete an independent research project under the supervision of a research advisor initiated in Materials Science and Engineering 296A. This course will meet once at the beginning of the semester to outline the expectations of the course. Periodic meetings covering topics such as data analysis and design of experiment will be scheduled. Students will be expected to keep a laboratory notebook outlining their progress during the semester. A final report in journal publication form will be due at the end of the semester. Each student will also give a final presentation on his/her research project at the end of the semester.Independent Research for Five-Year BS/MS Program: Read More [+]

MAT SCI 298Group Studies, Seminars, or Group Research1 - 8 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Advanced study in various subjects through special seminars on topics to be selected each year, informal group studies of special problems, group participation in comprehensive design problems or group research on complete problems for analysis and experimentation.Group Studies, Seminars, or Group Research: Read More [+]

MAT SCI 602Individual Study for Doctoral Students1 - 8 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser, intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. (and other doctoral degrees).Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering

Credit Restrictions: Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for doctoral degree.

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